God is a Compassionate Lord

Posted by The Knoxville Journal on January 3rd, 2013

When we think no one cares, that no one understands, when we have nowhere to turn, when we are parched for a loving word, a tender touch, a helping hand, there is only one way to look-up, and seek God’s face and plead your case. He will turn compassion down upon you until you overflow with love and strength, and become a man/woman who is full of compassion for others.

“Then the Lord passed by (Moses) and proclaimed, ’The Lord, the Lord God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generation,’” (Exodus 34:67 NASB). I’m so glad God is a God of mercy and love, and is gracious to forgive us. But He also does not excuse sin. The scripture tells us plainly that what we as parents do can cause our children and their children to have to suffer for what we do. For example, when a mother takes drugs and/or drinks alcohol while carrying her child, the child will have to suffer because of her actions. God is compassionate and desires the very best for us. May we give our best to Him.

“For He will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also; and him who has no helper. He will spare the poor and needy, and will save the souls of the needy. He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; and precious shall be their blood in His sight,” (Psalms 72:12-14 NKJV). If we are in need of anything, God will come to our aid and help us with compassion.

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever,” (Psalms 103: 8-9 NASB). These words expound to us that God will speak time after time to our hearts to come to Him. Many times people go on and on and people state they will come to Jesus one day, sometime, or before I die. My friend, we can only come to Him when He calls us. It pays us to listen to the voice of the Lord. He won’t speak forever. “Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love. Thou art. Visit us with Thy salvation; Enter every trembling heart” (Charles Wesley).

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your disease; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion,” (Psalms 103:1-4 NASB).

“Have mercy on me, O’ God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions,” (Psalms 51:1 NIV).

“May the flood of water not overflow me nor the deep swallow me up, nor the pit shut its mouth on me. Answer me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good; according to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me,” (Psalms 69:15-16 NASB). Have you ever felt like your sinking and drowning and there’s no way out? Have you felt like you are in a dark, gloomy pit and you can’t see any way out? I have, many times. But when I released my cares to the Lord, He, with His awesome love and compassion lifts me up to higher ground. Praise His Holy Name!

Until next time, “You must be compassionate, just on as your Father is compassionate,” (Luke 6:36).